Jaguars-Jets Preview

Jaguars at New York Jets – Thursday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Most agree the Jaguars have the best talent they have had since the last playoff run back in 2007. Jacksonville added seven unrestricted free agents in March, with DL Malik Jackson, RB Chris Ivory and safety Tashaun Gipson headlining the class. That’s even before adding two excellent early-draft selections in Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack.

The Jets return the usual names like QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and WRs Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Running back Matt Forte will not play due to a hamstring issue. The Jaguars have lost four consecutive games against the squad from East Rutherford.

Meeting: Second time in preseason play. The Jags played at the Jets on August 17, 2013 – losing 37-13.

Following the bye week last year, the Jaguars fell to the Jets on the road 28-23. It was the Jags’ 13th straight road loss. Then-Jet Chris Ivory ran for two scores, and Blake Bortles threw for 381 yards, two touchdowns but was sacked six times.

What to Watch:

Dante Fowler, Jr: We should not have to tell you. He has been wowing at camp and in last Friday’s scrimmage.

The left side of the offensive line: On the unofficial depth chart, Luke Joeckel is a co-starter with Kelvin Beachum at tackle, Mackenzy Bernadeau at guard and Brandon Linder is the starting center.

The running back rotation. Everyone says the Jaguars keep five tight ends. What order or who makes it past Sept. 3 – when final cuts are made – among Denard Robinson, Jonas Gray and Corey Grant? We know what Ivory and TJ Yeldon are capable of out there.

Humble-brag to Jets fans:

LB Telvin Smith was first in the NFL last season for tackles by players 25 or younger. He recorded 128 (99 solo).

The Jags have two of last year’s top-three AFC leaders in scrimmage yards per game – Chris Ivory (85.8) and TJ Yeldon (84.9).

Two members of the coaching staff have over 20 years of NFL experience. Wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan has 23, and defensive assistant Monte Kiffin is entering his 28th.

New pronunciations:

Prince Amukamara – ah-MOO-kah-MAR-uh

Tashaun Gipson – tuh-SHAWN

Yannick Ngakoue – yah-NEEK in-GAH-kway

How to Listen:

1010XL and 92.5 FM will air the game, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Pre-game coverage starts at 4:30. Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman and Tony Boselli with Rick Ballou on the sideline.

Where to Watch:

Third straight year the Jaguars will be on WJXT-TV Channel 4. Sam Kouvaris and Mark Brunell will have the call. Nikki Kimbleton will serve as field reporter.